Mr. Chair,

China takes note of the report on "Verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nation Security Council resolution 2231” submitted by Director General Grossi.

At present, negotiations on resuming the implementation of the JCPOA have come to a deadlock, and the uncertainty of the situation is prominent. The unilateral withdrawal of the US from the JCPOA and its “maximum pressure” on Iran, which triggers Iran’s countermeasures, are the crux of the current situation of the Iranian nuclear issue. China believes that the JCPOA is the only correct way to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, with no alternative. Parties concerned should firmly uphold the authority and effectiveness of the JCPOA and relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. The priority is to bring the US back to the JCPOA through dialogue and negotiation, so as to restore full and effective implementation of the JCPOA and avoid any measures that would escalate conflicts and tensions. China appreciates Iran for its recent constructive measures, including significantly reducing the production rate of uranium enriched up to 60%, and hopes that other parties concerned will work with Iran through practical actions to create a favorable atmosphere for diplomatic efforts.

China firmly opposes the use of the Iranian nuclear issue by relevant countries to advance their geopolitical agenda. Linking the negotiations on resuming the implementation of the JCPOA with other issues runs counter to the original intention of reaching a comprehensive agreement. It will seriously damage the negotiation process, and even lead to all previous diplomatic efforts on the Iranian nuclear issue for naught. Parties concerned should cut out distractions, stay focused and return to the right track of tackling the Iranian nuclear issue separately from other issues.

China firmly upholds the authority and effectiveness of the JCPOA and Security Council Resolution 2231, and plays a constructive role in advancing the negotiations. This year, China will once again donate 1.35 million yuan to support the Agency to continue its verification and monitoring in Iran. China will continue to make unremitting efforts to promote the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. At the same time, China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and "long-arm jurisdiction”, and will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.